Slow Drain Problem

3 years ago

Kitchen drain has a slow drain. Got it snaked and drain was great. Two days later another slow drain. Plumber says we have old galvanized pipes and it needs replacement. FYI: All the other drains in the house work perfectly. No leaks anywhere. Kitchen line never had a vent installed to it. Old house. Who knows.

Anyway, the kitchen drain leads out the north side into a main drain which wraps around the house to the southern side where it connects with the plumbing that comes out for the bathroom line. Once it unites it all leads to the sewer line. Sorta like a Y shape. In my basement you only see the connections for the bathroom. You do not see that kitchen line because, again, it all connects outside of the house on the southern side. Hope it makes sense.

Any ideas what it could be? Or is replacing the galvanized pipes the solution?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

outpaientzero
3 years ago
How old is the house. Doesn't matter, plumbers stopped using galvanized pipes in the 60's for good reason. They corrode up completely blocking the inside of the pipes. Water pipes and waste drain pipes both go to heck and replacing the pipes are the only solution. If your water pipes are galvanized you may want to think about replacing them too.
artemis78
3 years ago
Another old house with all sorts of wacky plumbing here. I’d replace the galvanized pipe and add a vent, then see if you still have a problem. Those are both good to do regardless so no money wasted. If still an issue, then deeper troubleshooting.
Related Professionals
Anderson Home Remodeling · Springfield Home Builders · Meridian Home Builders · Forrest City Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Missoula Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Georgetown General Contractors · Nashua General Contractors · Augusta Home Remodeling · Traverse City Home Remodeling · Tucson Home Remodeling · Gainesville Bathroom Remodelers · Jackson Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Winona Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Odessa Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Victorville Kitchen Remodelers
mcarroll16
3 years ago
What kevin9408 said--replace the galvanized pipes, as you're going to have to do it eventually anyway. Probably soon. For the reasons he stated. And yes, one pipe can get plugged up while others work fine. Our bathtub pipe stopped draining last spring, while the sink in the same room worked fine. When they cut through a cross section of the tub drain pipe, the entire pipe was plugged with corrosion and sludge. Only a tiny 1/4" diameter opening letting water trickly through.